Leak Proof Plastic Bag Experiment

Today we did an awesome science experiment! It was quick to put together and had a big impact. I am certain that your kids will love this, no matter what age they are!

I got the idea here: http://pagingfunmums.com/2014/05/25/leak-proof-bag-kids-science-experiment/

Supplies: ziploc bag, sharp pencils, water

All morning we had been talking to Monkey about the science experiment we'd be doing today. We told him that we were going to poke some pencils into a bag of water, and kept asking him what he thought might happen. Of course, he predicted that the pencils would make holes in the bag and the water would come out. 

The first step in the experiment is to fill the bag with water. We filled it about 3/4 full. 

We took the bag outside with the pencils. Now for the magical part! (Ok, it's science, but it's pretty impressive.) Carefully poke the pencils through the bag, until the sharpened end goes through the water and starts to come out of the other side. 

I did the first pencil to show Monkey what to do, and he did all the rest by himself. 

We all thought this was so cool! The outcome is so unexpected, even for the adults. 

The science behind this is that the pencils push apart the plastic strands in the plastic bag enough to get through, but the strands seal themselves back tightly around the pencil, which is why the water doesn't leak out. 

It was just as exciting when Monkey started to take the pencils out, because he knew that the water would leak out for sure when he pulled them out. 

We did this on the deck with our bathing suits on, but it could easily be done over the sink or in the bathtub. 

This was a fun one! Perfect for a hot day :) 

Mar